The Making of an Artist: Joseph Plavcan and Students on View at Erie Art Museum

The Erie Art Museum is thrilled to present the third installment of a rotating exhibition series that features Plavcan's work created between 1936 and 1980. Located in the Donna Nicholas gallery, this show features Plavcan's work in capturing a city in the midst of change. It highlights his impact on the next generation of Erie artists and art teachers. Featuring work from his renowned students such as Wilda Sundberg, Don Lord, Dan Burke, John Silk Deckard, John Vahanian, and David Seitzinger, this exhibition explores the relationship that Plavcan had with his students and how they shaped each other's art practices. Also included were students who inspired Plavcan and were inspired by Plavcan to explore color theory, such as Alberta Cifolelli, Vitus Kaiser, Richard Anuszkiewicz, Roy Ahlgren, and Carl Sundberg.

This exhibition draws on works from the Museum's permanent collection and those borrowed from other collectors and institutions to map the arc of Plavcan's career as a painter and mentor. What emerges is a remarkable artistic journey rooted in Erie's history that explores the interplay between Plavcan's works and those of his students.

Joseph Plavcan: The Making of an Artist will be open to the public through March 2026.

About the Erie Art Museum

Located in Erie, Pennsylvania, the Erie Art Museum holds the region's leading art collection with more than 8,000 objects spanning American ceramics, paintings, sculpture, and photography.

The museum regularly presents special exhibits bringing art and inspiration to the community. It also hosts lectures, educational programs and provides artists' services including interdisciplinary and interactive school tours.

The Erie Art Museum is open every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 116 pm, Saturday, 10 am5 pm, and Sunday from 16 pm. The museum routinely posts updates on activities on social media Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For more info on upcoming programs, visit erieartmuseum.org or call 814-459-5477.